Ian Ward is a creative powerhouse—a multifaceted artist whose talents span singing, songwriting, acting, and creative direction. His magnetic personality and passion for storytelling have made him a natural fit for the spotlight. Ian’s journey began at a young age, breaking into the theater industry in New York and Los Angeles at 8. By his teenage years, he led a high school band, performed his original songs, and honed a love for songwriting that had only grown stronger.
Ian went on to study music and theater at the University of Miami and Berklee College of Music, immersing himself in the arts to pursue his dreams. Ian’s commanding performances and soulful voice have garnered critical acclaim from Broadway to national stages and even international productions. Entertainment Weekly lauds his “…powerful belt and soulful voice…,” matched only by his natural charisma and earnestness.
Now, Ian is channeling his energy into his original music, crafting genre-bending tracks that reflect personal growth, vivid storytelling, and unique instrumentation. His songs evoke a deep sense of time and place while resonating with universal themes. With a fresh perspective and an eye toward the future, Ian is set to take center stage on Season 23 of American Idol this March, proving that his star is only continuing to rise.
“One Shot” is an anthem of hope, love, and living boldly. The song captures young lovers’ universal struggle between following their hearts and chasing their dreams. Ian reflects on a love he once had, realizing that there’s “…no time to wait…” Fueled by a newfound clarity and confidence, he decides to pursue his love without hesitation.
The track’s infectious rhythm and vibrant melody are reminiscent of early 2010s love-story icons like Jason Mraz and Bruno Mars. Its uplifting pop-rock energy and heartfelt lyrics inspire listeners to take risks and seize the moment. At its core, “One Shot” reminds us that life is fleeting—and we only get one chance to follow our hearts and write a meaningful story courtesy of Ian Ward.
Directed by Simon Kienitz Kincade in collaboration with Mutual Street Entertainment, the music video for “One Shot” is as breathtaking as the song itself; the DP did their thing! Against the iconic backdrop of Los Angeles, Ian takes viewers on a heartfelt journey of love and longing. From the star-studded sidewalks of the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the vibrant glow of the Santa Monica Pier and the stunning views from Griffith Observatory, the video celebrates the City of Angels in all its radiant beauty.
The director of photography was on their A-Game, and these visuals are a feast for the eyes and a reflection of resilience. Following the devastating wildfires that scarred the city, the video’s hopeful imagery of towering palm trees, hazy skies, and glowing sunsets reinforces the story’s themes of renewal and perseverance.
Ian Ward Weighs in on the song’s journey and creative process
With Ian’s acoustic guitar in hand and his soulful voice leading the way, the video masterfully blends the personal and the universal. It’s a love story set against LA’s timeless charm, offering inspiration to anyone searching for connection and reminding us of the enduring magic of chasing our dreams.
You started your musical career in theater, landing roles on Broadway and in international productions, so how does “One Shot” fit into your musical journey thus far?
“One Shot” feels like a culmination of everything I’ve learned and experienced so far. It combines the storytelling skills I honed in theater with my love for songwriting and performing. The song represents a new chapter in my career—one where I’m fully embracing my identity as a musician and sharing my original work with the world. It’s a reflection of where I’ve been and where I’m headed.
What’s the story behind “One Shot?” Was it based on a real-life experience?
Yes, “One Shot” was inspired by a real-life moment. It’s about a pivotal experience I had in Los Angeles with someone I cared deeply about. We were both at a crossroads, torn between following our hearts and chasing our dreams. The song captures that tension and the realization that life is too short to wait for the “perfect” moment. It’s a celebration of taking chances and living boldly.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how do they shape your work?
I’m inspired by artists who are master storytellers—Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Kurt Cobain, to name a few. Their ability to convey raw emotion and timeless truths through their music has deeply influenced my approach to songwriting. I also draw inspiration from pop-rock icons like Jason Mraz and Bruno Mars, whose infectious energy and melodies have shaped the sound of “One Shot.”
What was it like working with director Simon Kienitz Kincade and Mutual Street Entertainment? Do any moments in the production process stand out to you?
Working with Simon and my team at Mutual Street Entertainment was an incredible experience. Simon has such a keen eye for visuals and storytelling, and he brought so much creativity and passion to the project. One standout moment was filming the Santa Monica Pier scene at sunset—the light was perfect, and there was this electric energy on set. It felt like we were capturing something truly special.
How did you infuse your unique personality into the visuals? Do you feel like the video represents your artistic identity?
Absolutely. The video reflects my love for storytelling and my connection to Los Angeles. As a Southern California guy, and having spent so much time in LA over the past decade, I wanted the visuals to feel authentic and personal, so I brought my own experiences and emotions into every scene. From the acoustic guitar to the heartfelt performances, the video is a true representation of who I am as an artist.
“One Shot” is an anthem to seize the moment—does this resonate with you personally?
It resonates deeply. As an artist, I’ve learned that success often comes from taking risks and embracing the unknown. “One Shot” is a reminder to live boldly and trust the journey, even when it’s uncertain. It’s a message I try to carry with me every day.
How does “One Shot” fit into the larger vision for your upcoming EP?
“One Shot” sets the tone for the EP, which is all about self-discovery, growth, and embracing life’s moments. Each song tells a different story, but they all share a common thread of resilience and hope. Together, they paint a picture of who I am as an artist and where I’m headed. I hope that fans and listeners that sit down and give the whole EP a listen come away with a feeling of connection and passion for the future!
You are participating on this upcoming season of American Idol! Can you tell us a little bit more about your experience on the show (without giving spoilers!) and your other projects in the works?
Being on American Idol has been an incredible experience. It’s such a supportive and inspiring environment, and I’ve learned so much from the judges and my fellow contestants. I can’t give too much away, but I will say it’s been a chance to share my music with a whole new audience. Beyond the show, I’m excited to release more music and continue connecting with fans through my art.
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